Keeping Your Older Cat Healthy

While we certainly love our kitties while they are kittens, it’s also important to ensure they stay healthy as they age. Because of this, cats that are at least 11 years of age are considered senior cats, and thus need special care in a variety of areas. To learn how to take care of your older cat, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Have Regular Vet Visits
As cats age, it’s perhaps more important than ever to make regular visits to your veterinarian. While most people make it an annual visit, some experts recommend having your senior feline family member make two trips per year to the vet. Along with getting a thorough physical exam, your vet will also do blood work and other tests to check kidney function, thyroid function, and other aspects of your cat’s health.

Pay Attention to Behavior
If you notice changes in your cat’s behavior, take them seriously. Whether it’s a decrease in appetite, drinking more water, or appearing to have a harder time seeing and hearing, pay a visit to your vet to find out what’s going on. For additional information on other behavior changes that could be a cause for concern, visit Your text to link….

Feed a Healthy Diet
As your cat gets older, it’s dietary needs may also change. For example, if they have dental issues, they may not be able to eat dry food as well as when they were younger, and thus may need to be fed more canned food. Along with this, if they are less active than in previous years, their portions may need to be adjusted so they don’t gain too much weight. As always, if you have any questions about this, ask your veterinarian.

Give Kitty a Comfortable Bed
Just like humans, cats love a comfortable bed in which to sleep. This is especially important for older cats, since they may suffer from arthritis or other conditions that make it painful to lie down. To keep your cat comfortable, give them plenty of blankets or towels, and possibly even purchase a heated bed, which will help your cat’s circulation as well as decrease the stiffness in their joints.

By adapting to your older cat’s changing health needs, both you and your furry feline family member will find yourselves feeling better and enjoying life much more as you grow old together as best friends.

PawPrintstheMagazine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com